This is edition 2024/161 of the Ten@10 newsletter.
Welcome to the Ten@10, where I collate and summarise ten news items you generally won't see in the mainstream media.
This is normally now only for members in the VIP tier (old Silver and above), now that our membership transfer is completed. If you think you should be getting this with your membership then don't hesitate to sing out.
I hope you continue to enjoy this weekday newsletter and if you aren't currently on the VIP plan please consider upgrading.
Enjoy!
1. Is it time for Luxon to sack firearms minister Nicole McKee?
Bryce Edwards
- 🔫 Christopher Luxon's decision to appoint a former gun lobbyist, Nicole McKee, to oversee gun control has sparked controversy.
- 🔫 McKee's close ties with gun lobby groups like Colfo raise concerns about conflicts of interest and impartiality.
- 🔫 Messages between McKee's office and Colfo suggest a significant level of coordination and influence, potentially compromising her role.
- 🔫 Critics, including Police Association President Chris Cahill, argue McKee lacks the impartiality needed for effective gun reform.
- 🔫 McKee's previous role as Colfo's spokesperson and her ongoing ties to gun associations complicate her position as Associate Justice Minister.
- 🔫 McKee's actions, such as influencing social media posts and event attendance, underscore her active involvement with gun lobby agendas.
- 🔫 Luxon's support for McKee amid calls for her dismissal suggests growing political risk for his government on gun control issues.
- 🔫 McKee's business interests in firearms safety and advocacy for looser MSSA regulations further complicate her role and government stance.
- 🔫 The use of Order in Council to make changes in gun regulations without public debate has raised transparency concerns.
- 🔫 Luxon's handling of McKee's controversial decisions may affect his administration's credibility on firearms policy and public safety.
